[T]WENTY PEOPLE from Preston have been arrested as part of the third phase of ‘Operation Nexus’ which was launched last week.
The operation was aimed at disrupting organised crime in the City and surrounding areas and in total, 21 warrants were carried out at various addresses across Preston over a period of seven days.
Of the 20 people arrested, 17 men aged between 15 and 45, and one woman aged 37, have been charged with various drugs offences ranging from possession of controlled drugs to supply of class A drugs including Heroin and Cocaine and will appear before Preston Magistrates Court across several dates in December.
Of the two remaining, a 24 year old man has been released under investigation and a 15 year old boy has been given a caution and referred into the youth offending team.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Holgate who ran the operation said; “These arrests highlight our on-going commitment to tackling organised crime in Preston.
“Our week-long operation we hope has sent a clear message to those involved in organised crime that we will not tolerate this activity in our city and on our streets.
“We want to be clear that the work won’t end with this particular operation. We always have been, and will continue, to constantly target those that are involved in drugs supply, as well as the violence and anti-social behaviour that comes hand in hand with drug-dealing.
“This week of action is testament to the network of community members, businesses and partnerships that provide us with daily information to target organised crime and help us protect and keep safe the most vulnerable in our city.”
